The influence of binder type and level in the coating layer on fold cracking of coated paper was investigated using an image analysis technique. In addition, tensile properties of coating layers were evaluated to determine their relationship with fold cracking. Starch content and glass transition temperature (Tg) of styrene-butadiene latex (S/B latex) were found to be the two most important factors affecting both fold cracking and tensile properties of the coating layer. Use of starch and high Tg S/B latex in coating layer decreased the strain of coating layer, which increased crack length and width as well as crack area. The number of cracks, however, was decreased with a reduction of strain of the coating layer. SEM pictures clearly showed that large cracks were formed in coatings that are low in tensile strain. It was shown that tensile properties of the coating layer played an important role in fold cracking.